When did you start collecting sneakers? When I could finally afford them, at 26. I would tell you how many I have, but I’m afraid you will judge me. The number is in triple figures. Let’s just say I have to dedicate a couple of rooms – one in each house – for my sneakers, and I have lost count.

What is the highlight of your collection? Yeezys, of course, because you can’t just acquire them. It takes some doing. Then there are ones that have sentiments attached, which you can’t just give away – pairs that are special and have seen special times. The ones you’ve danced non-stop in for 72 hours and are all kinds of busted. One of the oldest ones I have is a pair of blue adidas Originals low-top lace-ups from the 70s that belonged to my dad. It’s my prized possession.

Which are the three pairs of sneakers every man should own? Superstars, Stan Smith and solid Yeezys – all by adidas Originals – are the staples that will sort you out for life.

Sahil Marwaha, Communication consultant and co-founder, Beam & Words

When did you start collecting sneakers? I always had a couple of kicks, but it really began when I started picking up Nike shoes to train in. Eventually I ended up having a bunch of running and basketball sneakers. I’ve lost count of how many I own now.

Which are your favourites and most unique pieces? The complete Nike Flyknit Racer collection will always be my favourite. There’s also a pair of the Onitsuka Tiger Serrano that I value because I just can’t find the same colour again.

Which is the pair you want to buy next?The Levi’s X Air Jordan 4 sneakers.

How do you take care of your shoes? I am a little particular about them, so I mostly clean them very next day using cleaners, brushes and a cloth. They go in their respective boxes so that dust doesn’t stick at all.

Dharmesh Gandhi, Content, Hotstar

When did you start collecting sneakers?I think it started way back in college, around 2004-05. I remember spending a month’s pocket money on a nice pair of red adidas Superstars. I bought them because I saw Fred Durst wear them in a video. Now, I have somewhere between 180 and 200 pairs.

Which are your favourites and most unique pieces? The all-time favourite silhouette is a tough one between the Air Max 90 and adidas Superstar. I guess it would have to be the latter – I have them in a good 22-23 different colourways. I don’t have many unique ones, but relatively rare would be the Jordan 4 White Cement OG, adidas NMD R1 Japan Boost and Yeezy Boost 350 V2 ‘Bred’. I’m planning to get a plain white pair of Air Max 90s customized by an artist soon. That should take care of unique.

Which are the three pairs of sneakers every man should own? Adidas Originals Stan Smith Triple White Nike Air Force 1 Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66

Which is the pair you want to buy next? I’ve been waiting for Jordan brand to re-release the Jordan Retro 4 ‘Bred’. 2019 is the 30th anniversary of the show. Rumour is, they’ll drop the pair. It’s the best looking Air Jordan shoe, in my opinion.

How do you take care of your shoes? I have special bags made to store my shoes. For protection from rain and dust while I’m out, I swear by a homegrown brand called Vetro Power.

When did you start collecting sneakers? My interest in sneakers peaked around three years ago, when I visited my first adidas trade show. I fell in love with their new adidas Originals silhouettes like NMD and Ultraboost. My craze was further fuelled by online sneaker portals that I started following, such as Hypebeast, Nicekicks and Highsnobiety. I am an introvert, so for me, sneakers are a great way to express my individuality. I have around 32 pairs now.

Which are the three pairs of sneakers every man should own?A basic, classic sneaker like the Reebok Classic Leather or adidas Originals Superstar – they are timeless. A beater sneaker like the Vans Old Skool or Coverse Chuck Taylors for everyday wear. A head turner like the Yeezy Boost or something from the Nike X Off-White collaboration that can take your sneaker game to the next level.

Which is the pair you want to buy next? The adidas Yeezy 700 Wave Runner.

How do you take care of your shoes? I often send my shoes to the laundry. At home, I take care of them by using Vetro wipes and then the Vetro Spray for additional protection.

DJ Sa, Musician

When did you start collecting sneakers? It was at the age of 17. I had just started college and a bit of DJing. I now have over 150 pairs.

Which are your favourites and most unique pieces?It’s a tough question, but I think the pair of Jordans my wife gifted to me would be my favourite for the sentimental value. I don’t believe in the hype bandwagon – I collect sneakers that catch my eye, whether or not they are rare. Having said that, some really special ones to me are the Nike Air Max 97 South Beach, Air Jordan 12 OVO, Air Jordan 6 Retro Gatorade, Limited Edt Vault x New Balance 574, ADE Beats X Puma Suede and Star Wars X adidas.

Which are the three pairs of sneakers every man should own?OG Retro Jordan 1 Bred or Banned Adidas Originals Superstars Puma Clyde Suede

Which is the pair you want to buy next?There are quite a few that I’m eyeing right now, but I’m going to have to save a lot for these: Air Jordan 1 Pass The Torch Versace Chain Reactions Air Jordan 2 Retro Eminem (The Way I Am)

How do you take care of your shoes? I have a couple of shoe cleaners, but I use Crep Protect and Jason Markk cleaners the most – both are amazing.

Badshah, Musician

When did you start collecting sneakers? You know, it’s sad that I don’t have my first pair with me. I just wore it out. I’ve been a collector — I don’t throw or give away my sneakers. I love all of them. The oldest pair I remember having is my Bata from school, and then a black Air Force 1 from 18 years ago. I wish I had more of my older sneakers now because they are all coming back into fashion. I thought I had somewhere around 500 pairs, but I don’t know where they’ve gone. I currently have roughly 350 to 360 pairs. At any point of time, I have four pairs on me.

Which are your favourites and most unique pieces? I love the Nike Yeezy 2 — they are also the most expensive ones, and are quite rare too. I like big, chunky sneakers so I have a thing for Jordans. The Yeezy Boost 350s are very comfortable. I also love Balenciaga, Chain Reactions (by Versace) and the Jordan 3 and 4. Among the rare ones, I have a pair of sneakers called the Hammerhead — it’s made by Casbia, a brand from Italy that makes beautiful shoes. They have collaborated with Champion as well. There are only 10 pairs of the Hammerhead in the world, and I was the third recipient. I’ve also got the Jordan 1s, Snake Skin, 24 Carat Gold and the Obsidian 4, which are all very unique.

Which are the three pairs of sneakers every man should own? I think there should be one Oxford style, a pair of Vans, then a pair of Jordans and finally, a pair of white Air Force 1s.

Which is the pair you want to buy next? There are so many. I still haven’t got the Yeezy 2 Red Octobers in my size. I think only Ranbir Kapoor has them. They look pretty sick.

How do you take care of your shoes? I’ve got all sorts of cleaning stuff, and I clean them with my own hands. I can’t let anyone else touch my sneakers. They don’t know how to clean them. Whenever I can, I buy two pairs of the same sneakers. I’ve got 20 to 25 pairs of Air Force 1s.